How to make the most of your Isa February 21, 2013 It is much easier to transfer your account than you may think MANY consumers are aware of the benefits that come with an individual savings account (Isa). You won’t pay capital gains tax on your Isa investments, nor will you pay income tax on your Isa savings, and you don’t have to mention Isas on [...]
Three opportunities for investors in 2013 February 21, 2013 THE prospects for the US economy, slower growth in China, and European summits all weighed on the minds of investors in 2012. And this led many to seek shelter in safe havens, like cash. But now “investment austerity” is set to characterise the investing landscape in 2013. The new normal – low yields, greater correlation [...]
Mortgage loans up sharply at Leeds mutual February 19, 2013 THE LEEDS Building Society hiked mortgage lending on the back of rising savings deposits and support from the Bank of England’s Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), the mutual announced yesterday. Pre-tax profits came in at £52.4m for 2012, up four per cent on the year, while capital and reserves rose seven per cent to £614m. [...]
Amplats halts production as strikes erupt February 19, 2013 WILDCAT strikes halted production at South African mining giant Anglo American Platinum yesterday, following violence which erupted earlier this week. Employees in the Rustenberg and Pilanesburg areas went on strike, effectively suspending mining operations at all of Amplats’ mines in South Africa yesterday. A spokeswoman for the beleaguered platinum miner confirmed that the employees would [...]
We need a consumer revolution to deliver lower utility prices February 18, 2013 POLITICAL ideas have always been cyclical. When incomes are falling, the economy is flatlining, credit is scarcer, prices are rising and it is hard to find work, the public always turns against capitalism (or the mixed economy corporatism that these days passes for it); in boom times, it tends to be more relaxed about other [...]
Interview: Inmarsat boss Andrew Sukawaty February 13, 2013 Andrew Sukawaty is having a busy day. He awoke to discover his satellite telecoms firm Inmarsat had tanked 13 per cent, leading the FTSE 100 fallers by a country mile. But if the charismatic American – both chief executive and chairman – is flustered, he isn’t showing it. “The share price is for the market [...]
Why you should take economic statistics with a bucket of salt January 25, 2013 TODAY is GDP day, when the Office for National Statistics releases its first, early and ultra-preliminary estimate of the growth of the UK economy. As ever, the media, the markets and the political classes will massively over-react to whatever gross domestic product (GDP) number is released, good or bad. I would urge everybody not to [...]
Top schools fuel house price hike January 24, 2013 AGOOD education can cost parents more than just tuition fees. Trends show that top performing schools drive house prices in their local neighbourhoods by nearly a third more than the national average. Little wonder, then, that developers are constructing luxury schemes in these sought-after areas. Wimbledon Hill Park is going down well with parents keen [...]
Focus On: Blackheath January 24, 2013 NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT Named after the grassland that separates it from Greenwich and Lewisham, Blackheath is often described as one of the few remaining villages in the heart of London. Many refer to it as south east London’s answer to Hampstead because of its charming, green surroundings and bustling village. While it [...]
Take in the views at this Surrey manor January 24, 2013 LOCATED IN the picturesque Surrey countryside is this unique property tucked away behind the private gates of the highly sought after Wentworth Estate. The location is known for being the home of the internationally renowned Wentworth Club with its exclusive facilities and world famous golf course, and the property is equally impressive. Set on approximately [...]